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Stoma Care: Emptying the Pouch

Step-by-Step

Hands scrubbing with soap under faucet with running water.

1. Wash your hands.

Person sitting at back of toilet with legs spread and one hand lifting shirt up and other hand holding tail and clip of ostomy bag.

2. Sit on the toilet, and pull your shirt up.

Person holding tail of ostomy bag up and opening clip.

3. Hold the pouch with the end up, and open the clip.

Person on toilet with one hand lifting shirt up and other hand holding bag tail over toilet bowl and bag tail unrolling.

4. Unroll the pouch end over the toilet.

Person on toilet with one hand lifting shirt up, bag tail open over toilet bowl, and other hand sliding down bag with bag contents emptying into toilet.

5. Slide your hand down the pouch to empty it.

Person using toilet paper to wipe inside and outside of ostomy bag opening.

6. Wipe the pouch end with toilet paper.

Person holding opening of ostomy bag up with one hand and pouring cup of water into bag.

7. Hold the pouch end up, and pour water into it.

Person folding end of ostomy bag closed and shaking bag gently with water inside.

8. Fold the end closed, and gently shake the pouch.

Person sitting on toilet with hand holding ostomy bag opening over toilet bowl and water draining out.

9. Pour the water into the toilet.

Person folding ostomy bag opening up over clip.

10. Close the pouch as directed.

Hands scrubbing with soap under faucet with running water.

11. Wash your hands.

Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Robyn Zercher FNP
Date Last Reviewed: 6/1/2025
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